US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Visits Kyiv Amid Rising Tensions

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Kyiv following a Russian drone attack on the city. His visit is part of ongoing efforts by Ukraine to secure continued military support from Western nations. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging Western allies to endorse his victory plan to end the conflict.

In a surprise move, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday. His arrival follows a Russian drone attack on the city, underscoring the ongoing tensions in Ukraine's capital. The visit comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues his ambitious push for Western arms and support in the face of Russia's intensified military campaign along Ukraine's eastern front.

Austin stated on the X platform that his fourth visit to Ukraine demonstrates the United States' ongoing commitment to supporting the country, in conjunction with the broader international community. The visit is particularly crucial as Ukraine grapples with significant territorial losses to Russian forces, with Zelenskyy urging Western nations to back his robust 'victory plan'—a plan involving NATO membership and the use of long-range Western missiles for defense.

Despite support from France, Lithuania, Nordic countries, and unnamed European allies, the United States remains the pivotal player. Zelenskyy has noted positive signals from the US but has yet to secure full endorsement for his strategy. Analysts hint that a definitive US stance is unlikely before the presidential elections in two weeks. The urgency of securing more military support has been heightened by recent missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, which have resulted in injuries and significant infrastructure damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)